Bad Credit Car Loans – Test Drive Your Dream

Nowadays many Americans have less than stellar credit ratings. Especially in these recessionary times. And many Americans think that having a poor credit rating means they will have to drive around in clunkers they buy out of peoples' yards or the local hunk-a-junk used car dealers; that they will forever be going to pick up the kids or pick up a date in a street-scarred jalopy held together with duct tape and picture-hanging wire. Forget about air conditioning or a CD player.And if the state requires yearly safety inspections, the best bet is usually to drive to junkyard, sell the heap for a hundred dollars and use that toward the purchase of the next Tin Can Lizzy. Having reliable, safe, decent-looking wheels is one facet of the American dream. It is a part of the dream that too many folks with not-so-good credit think will always be denied them.Car Loans for Folks with Bad Credit Are Within ReachOn TV, in newspaper classified ads, fliers stuck under windshield wipers (on your clunker), and maybe even tips from your embarrassed next door neighbors, make it all too clear that maybe you need a better sort of transportation. You can take a number of approaches to getting another set of wheels.You can save up a small down payment and approach one of those buy-here, pay-here auto lots. Of course, your interest rates will be sky-rocket high and one missed payment will have a repo man in the drivers seat headed back to the lot so it can be sold once again.You can continue as you are. Limping from service station to service station, having people avoid idling next to you at traffic lights. Or, you can go online and start car loan shopping.Online Lenders Will Give You a Decent DealThe nice thing about online lenders is that you have the opportunity to shop. No more driving onto a dealers lot in your clunker only to be greeted with a toothsome salesman knowing that you have to buy a car because that present set of wheels probably will not be able to turn around, much less leave the lot. Online lenders are not going to give the rates a good credit pre-approved car loan will allow. But it can be the next best thing.Most online lenders will not even require a down payment. Tell the lender what kind of car you would like to have and how much you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Before you know it, after supplying the fundamentals, you will have a pre-approved car loan. Then you can go shopping for a car in a relaxed way. When a smiling salesman asks if you will need financing, smile right back and say you will be paying cash.Online Lender RequirementsIf you can prove steady employment for at least 90 days with the same employer you have passed the first hurdle. You will need to prove who you are with a bona fide picture ID. You will have to show proof of a direct deposit banking account in good standing – usually a couple months of bank statements. Perhaps a utility bill to prove your residency will be needed. Of course, your social security number.These lenders do not usually require a good credit standing, or any credit check at all. The money can probably be in your account within 24 hours and you will be able to walk on any lot, find the car of your dreams, well nearly. Stroke a check and drive away. Make sure your loan amount includes enough for your first insurance payment and enough to cover taxes, tags, and title fees. Happy Motoring!